Taoiseach to open final section of motorway

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will open the final section of the M8 Dublin to Cork motorway today, potentially cutting journeys between the two cities by 45 minutes at peak times.

The 41km tolled Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown scheme, costing €491m, was completed four months ahead of schedule.

It completes a motorway/dual carriageway link between the cities.

Mr Cowen said the improved infrastructure will have a positive impact on the economy.

“Improving road infrastructure between and within regions will contribute towards the competitiveness of the area and foster more balanced regional development,” Mr Cowen said.

“In particular, the resulting safer and improved journey times will have a very positive impact on the economy by making the Midlands, South West and Midwest more accessible and attractive for inward foreign investment.”

The section is also a significant part of the M7 motorway link between Dublin and Limerick.

It is expected the remaining two sections of the M7 towards Limerick will be completed by the end of the year.

Six towns will now be bypassed – Abbeyleix, Durrow and Cullahill on the M8 and in Mountrath, Borris-in-Ossory and Castletown on the M7.

It is thought it will initially cater for 15,000 vehicles per day, increasing to 18,000 over the coming months.

Peter Malone, chairman of the National Roads Authority, said the road will remove bottlenecks help improve road safety.

“Additionally, this completion links two significant centres of commerce and tourism together via motorway that will assist in fostering economic growth for small and large businesses looking to support employment into the future,” he said.